The idea for the Government Workers Union grew from the imagination of several professional labor representatives in December 1999. Feeling the frustration of representing established unions who had lost touch with the needs of their members, the idea of creating a new union was suggested. A new union was soon created by these educated and experienced professional advocates - with the intent to be different and more aggressive than our predecessors. To symbolize that desire for excellence, the Charter of the Government Workers Union was formed and signed at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

As its logo, the Union chose an open book and the scales of justice. The open book represents knowledge, wisdom and learning. The scales represent the need for balance. Our actions and endeavors must be balanced to be long-lasting, healthy and productive.

From those ambitious beginnings the GWU quickly grew in membership. The union carefully screens employees for membership. The GWU strives to provide high quality professional and aggressive representation to its selected membership. This level of service is time consuming and expensive. Therefore, the GWU must be selective in those it represents. We have withdrawn representation of employees who refuse to maintain our high standards. For new membership, we examine the group's history and the employees' desire to excel in their chosen profession. When the GWU believes employees share our goals and standards, we endeavor upon a system of education and representation to help them meet their unique goals. That extra effort and commitment is what has made us a top tier labor organization. We uphold that standard every day.